Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. treated for bipolar disorder

Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is being treated for bipolar depression II, according to a news release from the Mayo Clinic.

Jackson has been on medical leave from Congress since June 10th. There has been a lot of speculation on why he dropped from the public eye since then. He has been at Mayo Clinic since July 25th: before that, he was being treated at a clinic in Arizona for people with addictions and mood disorders.

The Mayo Clinic announcement states that Jackson was diagnosed with the disorder after extensive evaluation. He's now responding well to treatment.

Many Americans have bipolar disorder. Bipolar II disorder is a treatable condition that affects parts of the brain controlling emotion, thought and drive and is most likely caused by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors.

The release makes a connection between the condition and gastric bypass surgery Jackson had in 2004, saying that type of surgery can change the way one's body processes food and medication.

The Mayo Clinic says it released the information at the request of Jackson and his family. There's no timeline at this point regarding the Congressman's treatment and return to work.